Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Dubai Health Authority, Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the board of the Dubai Health Authority, inaugurated today the 16th Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition (Dubai Derma 2016) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Al Qatami was accompanied with heads of international associations, delegations, and top-notch dermatologists and specialists in the field.

Following the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, Al Qatami took a tour in the exhibition area and visited various local and international companies that came to showcase their up-to-date technologies, latest skin care products and advanced equipment in the field of dermatology, laser, and plastic surgery.

He said during his opening speech: "We, at the DHA and through our ambitious development strategy, are working hard on enhancing our public healthcare services, particularly the specialized dermatology and cosmetic surgery departments. Dermatology and aesthetics are among the top medical treatments that Dubai is known for. Dubai relies heavily on those sectors to boost the medical tourism traffic in the coming phase, especially with all the advanced medical infrastructure, excellent cadre of doctors and specialists, whom the DHA is proud to have, and we appreciate their experience, knowledge, and hard-work."

He continued on saying: "Through this important event, and with the presence of those great minds and talents, we look forward to the implementable recommendations and clear work-plan, in the name of Dubai, to achieve best medical practices, in both the Dermatology and aesthetics sectors."

On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Dr. Ibrahim Galadari, Professor of Dermatology at the UAE University, and Conference Chairman of Dubai Derma welcomed all of the reputable speakers and specialists who came from all over the world to participate in Dubai Derma.

Dr. Ibrahim Galadari said: "We are privileged this year that the International Society of Dermatology (ISD) is holding the fifth Continental Congress of Dermatology, for the first time in the MENA region and in Dubai, in conjunction with Dubai Derma. This proves with no doubt the growing importance of this event, which has become a leading event in the field of dermatology and laser. This year, we have also allocated three different halls for concurrent sessions that will be running for the 3 days and discuss medical aspects of dermatology, the pediatric aspect of dermatology, and the cosmetic aspect of dermatology."

From her side, Dr. Evangeline Handog, President of International Society of Dermatology, said: "The International Society of Dermatology (ISD) started the Continental Congress of Dermatology (CCD) in 2010 to offer a venue for further learning in between the International Congress of Dermatology (ICD) which is held every four years. We take pride in partnering with Dubai Derma this year, to impart knowledge & skills which could be enriching & beneficial for us and our patients."

Dr. Abdul Wahab Al Fouzan, Secretary General of the Pan Arab League of Dermatology,said during his opening speech: "On behalf of you all, I would start off my speech by thanking H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, President of the Dubai Health Authority for his gracious patronage of this conference, his continuous support to public healthcare, his encouragement for doctors and scientists in the field of healthcare and medical sciences, and for his actual contribution to upgrading and progressing healthcare services."

Dr. Abdul Wahab Al Fouzan added: "The great care and attention given by senior officials in Dubai to healthcare services and to organizing conferences and seminars have made Dubai a cultural hub and a dignified front for everyone. It is a great pride to all of us to have a conference and exhibition like Dubai Derma in the MENA region."

From his side, Dr. Oumeish Oumeish, Secretary General of Dubai Derma and International Academy of Medical Specialisation said in his speech at the opening ceremony: "Dubai Derma promotes continuing medical education, strengthens cooperation and exchange of knowledge and research among physicians in the Gulf, Arab countries and Worldwide. Dubai Derma is becoming an important forum for promoting progress in the field of dermatology, cosmetic surgery and laser. It also marked itself as the leading medical event in the region and one of the best in the world."

From his side, Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of Dubai Derma said: "After 16 successful years, Dubai Derma now has a huge influence in shaping the economy of an industry, which its expenditures reach to billions of dollars annually. The non-stop development of this industry and the increasing demand by individuals has placed the skincare, dermatology and laser treatments at the forefront of the consuming markets in the world."

Dr. Al Madani continued: "We are very delighted that this year Dubai Derma will stage the 5th Continental Congress of Dermatology. While it is the first time for the congress to take place in the MENA region, it will prove to be an excellent opportunity for dermatologists and participants of the region to widen their area of expertise to encompass all significant sectors of dermatology and skincare. We are expecting the number of specialists, participants and doctors to exceed 12,000."

"Dubai Derma now is not only a referral platform for the development of skincare solutions, and the latest laser technologies, it is also the most eligible event for continuing medical education through its internationally accredited scientific programs and courses." Said Dr. Al Madani.

Dubai Derma 2016 runs until 14th of April, and it is organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions - member of INDEX Holding in collaboration with the Arab Academy of Dermatology & Aesthetics, Pan Arab League of Dermatology and the GCC League of Dermatologists; and the event is supported by Government of Dubai and Dubai Health Authority.

Source:WAM